Closable net for underwater operation and method of use

ABSTRACT

The automated closing of the opening of a hand-held net. The hand-held net is operatable underwater, and specifically in saltwater. A mechanism, contained in an elongated handle, causes retraction of a predetermined section of a draw line to within the handle. The handle has pivotally attached a hoop, the hoop having attached a net. The draw line engages circumferentially the net at a location parallel to, and spaced from, the hoop. Once retraction of the draw line is activated the locations of connection of the draw line are gathered into close proximity together. This location being generally to the center of the hoop. Once retracted to this position, the net is effectively closed, preventing exit of anything contained therein through the hoop. The closed netting device is returned to an expanded position in a controlled manner by the operator by enabling a desired length of the draw line to be removed from the handle in user defined increments. This is accomplished by the incorporation of a ratchet gear in close proximity to the entry point for the draw line to the handle. The ratchet gear, having a disposed position and a engaged position, enforces a unidirectional movement of the draw line during expanding procedure. The operator would select the position of the ratchet gear during use. Opposing pulley located in the handle ensure that an adequate length of draw line is retractable, while permitting a relatively short handle to be employed.

BACKGROUND

Lobsters live on the bottom of the ocean near shore, and hide in holesor under rocks at depths of about 6 to 120 feet. Lobsters sit in theirburrow by day and come out at night to search the ocean bottom lookingfor food.

Lobsters are the most popular crustacean sought by divers. Generally thediver will attempt to capture the lobster either in a hand held net orwith a retractable loop of line mounted on a pole or by hand. Use of ahand held net, similar to the common landing net used by fishermen, isfacilitated by holding the net with one hand while holding an elongatedobject in the other hand. The diver will attempt to persuade the lobsterto advance from its burrow by moving the elongated object near thelobster. Once the lobster is accessible, and a distance from rocks andother obstructions, the diver will attempt to manipulate the net toplace the lobster within the net. With the lobster within the net, thediver must place the opening of the net against a surface to close theopening and prevent escape of the lobster. This is usually an awkwardprocedure which occasionally allows escape of the lobster. The secondmethod, being the closable hoop on a pole, is difficult to employ due tothe many legs of a lobster and the rapid movement of the lobster duringpersuade. Additionally, both hands are required to retract the hoop tothe closed position, eliminating the use of a probing device. Attemptingto capture a lobster using ones hands is difficult and ill advised dueto possible damage to the lobster. Both the hoop method and the handcatching method are not advised due to the lobsters ability to cast offan appendage that becomes injured or that is seized by a predator. Thisself-amputation is called autotomy and may result in escape of aninjured lobster which then must survive with the disability. Appendagesthat are lost by the lobster can be regenerated and may develop to nearnormal size.

For the foregoing reasons there is a need for a closable netting devicesuitable for hand-held operation underwater. The device must allow thediver to manipulate the device with one hand, thus leaving the otherhand free to employ a probing device to coax the lobster into an exposedlocation and then into the netting device. The device must further allowrapid closure of the nets opening using the one hand holding the nettingdevice.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a hand-held netting device,suitable for underwater operation, which may be deployed and closedusing a single hand. The device is well adapted to capturing crustaceanssuch as lobster. The device is similar to conventional landing netshaving an elongated handle with a hoop extending from the handle with anet attached to the hoop. Attached around the circumference of the net,and spaced from the hoop, is a draw apparatus such as spaced eyelets. Adraw line is inserted through the draw apparatus and is attached to aretraction mechanism contained in the handle. Ideally, a set of pulleysare placed in the handle to allow a relatively short handle to beemployed. These pulleys operate to gather a significantly greater lengthof draw line into the handle than the overall length of the handle. Theretraction mechanism is activated by the operator utilizing a triggeringmechanism attached to the exterior of the handle. Once activated, theretraction mechanism pulls a predetermined amount of the draw line intothe handle and causes a gathering of the draw apparatus to a centrallocation within the opening of the hoop. This gathering causes theopening of the net to close preventing escape of the object from withinthe confinement area. Operation of the device using a single hand allowsthe operator to employ a probing device, such an elongated stick, tomanipulate the crustacean into a position that allows netting to occur.The netting device is versatile and adaptable for use above water forsuch tasks as landing fish caught with a pole and capturing small fishsuch as bait minnows or even tropical fish.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from thefollowing description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a netting device in the open position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the netting device illustrated in FIG. 1in the closed position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a netting device showing the optionalangular adjustable handle in the full closed position.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a trigger member.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a front member having a hoop adjustmentmember.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front member illustrated in FIG. 5following adjustment of the hoop adjustment member.

FIG. 7 is a cutaway perspective view of a handle in a retractedposition.

FIG. 8 is a cutaway perspective view of the handle illustrated in FIG. 7in an extended position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a ratchet cap in the engaged position.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the ratchet cap illustrated in FIG. 9in the disengaged position.

FIG. 11 is a sectional top plan view of the ratchet cap as taken fromthe section line shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a sectional top plan viewof the ratchet cap as taken from the section line shown in FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION Overview

Referring now to the drawings where like reference numerals refer tolike parts throughout the various views. Referring specifically to FIG.1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, a netting device 20 having a handle 22, a hoop 24and a net 28 attached to hoop 24 are disclosed. Handle 22 issubstantially hollow with the various retraction mechanism containedtherein as disclosed below. Vents 46, located at opposing ends of handle22, ensure adequate intake and exhaust of water during operation of themechanism contained therein. Netting device 20 is operable underwater totransfer net 28, from open position 32, shown in FIG. 1, to closedposition 34, shown in FIG. 2. Hoop 24 is attached to handle 22 atconnection 26. Hoop 24 has circumferentially attached thereto net 28with hoop 24 defining the sole opening of sufficient size to permitentry or exit of a crustacean to bunt 30, from an outside area 38, shownin FIG. 2. A lobster 50 is shown within net 28, and more particularlywithin a confinement area 36, shown in FIG. 2. Attached to net 28 are aplurality of eyelets 42 which circumferentially span net 28 in a spacedmanner relative to hoop 24. A draw line 40, terminally attached withinhandle 22 as disclosed below, extends through each eyelet 42 around thecircumference of net 28. Eyelets 42 form a draw apparatus to allow agathering of net 28 to a central location within hoop 24, as shown inFIG. 2. Draw line 40, as disclosed below, is retracted rapidly intohandle 22 when trigger member 44 is activated transferring nettingdevice 20 from open position 32, shown in FIG. 1 to closed position 34,shown in FIG. 2. It being noted that operation of netting device 20,from open position 32 to closed position 34 is possible, and advisable,using a single handed operation. This leaves the operators second handfree to use a probing staff, not shown, to convince the lobster to leaveits burrow, hole or other obstructions such as rocks.

Located on handle 22 are markings 100 spaced uniformly in incrementsbeing conventional units of measurement. Markings 100 allow for easymeasurement of trapper crustaceans or fish. A measuring device 102,having a first extension 104 and a second extension 106, is attached tohandle 22. Various measurements are possible utilizing first extension104 and second extension 106 to determine whether the trapped lobstermeets legal size limits.

FIG. 3 illustrates the utilization of a pivotal attachment 66 to placenetting device 20 in a storage position. Pivotal attachment 66 permitshandle 22 to be rotated relative to hoop 24 to place handle 22 in closeproximity to hoop 24, for storage or transport of netting device 20. Adistal point 68 is the point of contact between handle 22 and hoop 24furthest from pivotal attachment 66.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ELEMENTS

FIG. 4 illustrates in greater detail trigger member 44, shown in FIG. 1and FIG. 2. A trigger housing 54 is attached to tube 52, being a cutawaysection of handle 22. Pivotally mounted to trigger housing 54, utilizinga pivotal shaft 60, is a blocking member 62, which has a sectionextending to the interior of tube 52. A trigger 58 is provide, and heldin an elevated position relative to tube 52, by a spring 64. Thiselevated position causes blocking member 62 to have a disposed positionpenetrating tube 52.

FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 illustrate a front member 76. Front member 76 wouldreplace front cap 78 illustrated in FIG. 7 and described below. An entrypoint 48 is provided for entry of a draw line, more particularlydisclosed below. A hoop adjustment member 70, has attached thereto hoop24, permits radially adjustment of hoop 24 relative to front member 76and therefore to the handle. Once in a desired position a locking member72 would be tightened relative to bolt 74 to secure hoop 24 relative tofront member 76. FIG. 5 shows hoop 24 extending in a straight linerelative to front member 76. FIG. 6 shows hoop 24 fully retracted toplace the hoop adjacent to the handle, as shown in FIG. 3, for storageor transport. It being understood that hoop 24 is selectivelyadjustable, and lockable, to a desired position throughout the 360degree span.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 illustrate the internal mechanism which forms oneembodiment of the retraction displacement means. FIG. 7 shows themechanism retracted, or placing netting device 20, in closed position34, shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 8 shows the mechanism extended, or allowingnetting device 20, to be placed in open position 32, shown in FIG. 1.

It being understood that the facing section of tube 52, as well as acentral section of the longitudinal length of tube 52, are shown cutawayfor illustrative purpose.

Handle 22, being of a cylindrical hollow design, and having a back cap80, a front cap 78 and a pulley member 88. Front cap 78 has incorporatedtherein a pair of hoop attachment holes 82 for attaching hoop 24,illustrated in FIG. 1, to handle 22. Pulley member 88 is movable withinhandle 22 between the retracted position, shown in FIG. 7, and theextended position, shown in FIG. 8. Pulley member 88, having an anchorshaft 98, has attached thereto a section of surgical tubing 94 which isanchored to back cap 80 utilizing tie tabs 96. Surgical tubing 94, beingelastic, provides pulley 88 with a natural tendency to return to itspredominant position, being in close proximity to back cap 80. Variousvents 46, ensure adequate intake and exhaust of water during transitionfrom the retracted position to the extended position and back to theretracted position. Pulley member 88 further has a pulley 90 secured bya second pulley shaft 92. Second pulley shaft 92 permits a rotatablemounting for pulley 90. Front cap 78 has a first pulley shaft 86securing a stationary pulley 84. Stationary pulley 84 is rotatablemounted thereto. Penetrating front cap 78 is a passage leading from anentry point 48 to the interior of handle 22. A draw line 40 passestherethrough. It being understood that draw line 40 terminally engagesthe draw apparatus, illustrated as eyelets 42 in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Alocking access slot 56 penetrates handle 22 a predetermined distancefrom back cap 80. FIG. 8 illustrates the set position having pulleymember 88 positioned on the far side of locking access slot 56 relativeto back cap 80. Locking access slot 56 cooperates with blocking member62 of trigger member 44, illustrated in FIG. 4, to temporarily restrictpulley member 88 to this position. It being understood that surgicaltubing 94, is applying elastic power to attempt to return pulley member88 to its predominant position, being in close proximity to back cap 80.It being further understood that when blocking member 62 is displacedfrom its disposed position penetrating tube 52, as illustrated in FIG.4, pulley member 88 will return rapidly to its predominant position,being in close proximity to back cap 80. Draw line 40 enters handle 22through entry point 48 and engages pulley 90 located on pulley member88. Draw line 40, following engagement with pulley 90, which causes anapproximate 180 degree change in direction of draw line 40, then engagesstationary pulley 84. Draw line 40, following engagement with stationarypulley 84, which causes an approximate 180 degree change in direction ofdraw line 40, then terminally engages second pulley shaft 92. Release ofblocking member 62, shown in FIG. 4, from locking access slot 56 causesa rapid transfer of pulley member 88 from the position illustrated inFIG. 8 to the position illustrated in FIG. 7. This rapid transfer causesa predetermined, retraction length of draw line 40, engaging pulley 90and stationary pulley 84, to be rapidly retracted to within handle 22.

FIG. 9, FIG. 10, FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 show a ratchet cap 108. FIG. 11 istaken from the section line shown in FIG. 9, FIG. 12 is taken from thesection line shown in FIG. 10. Ratchet cap 108, having a stationarypulley 118 rotatory mounted on a pulley shaft 120, and a pair of hoopattachment holes 82 which allow attachment of hoop 24, illustrated inFIG. 1. It being understood that ratchet cap 108 would replace front cap78, illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, to provide selectiveunidirectional movement to draw line 40. Formed in ratchet cap 108 is anengaging track 114 and a disengaging track 116. Manipulation of a tab112 causes movement between engaging track 114 and disengaging track 116which causes movement of a line engagement gear 122. When in thedisposed position, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 12, bidirectionalunrestricted movement of draw line 40 is possible. When in the engagedposition, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 11, unidirectional, or one way,movement of draw line 40 is possible, with that direction being from thehandle outward. An entry slot 110 houses line engagement gear 122 whichdoes not contact draw line 40 while in the disposed position, as shownin FIG. 12. When in the engaged position, as shown in FIG. 11, lineengagement gear 122 contacts both draw line 40 and wall teeth 126. Itbeing understood that draw line 40, being attached to the retractionmechanism disclosed above, has a tension pulling toward the retractionside 130.

When tab 112 is in the engaging track 114, shown in FIG. 9, tension ondraw line 40 causes line engagement gear 122 to be pulled angularly tocontact draw line 40 and force draw line 40 into a contact surface 128.Wall teeth 126 contact line engagement gear 122 to prevent slippage.Thus draw line 40 is restricted from moving to the retraction side.Pressure on draw line 40 from expansion side 132 causes line engagementgear to move away and permit passage of draw line 40 to the expansionside. When pressure on draw line 40 is released from expansion side 132,line engagement gear 122 returns to engage draw line 40 against contactsurface 128 and prevent passage of draw line 40 to retraction side 130.This position permits transfer from closed position 34, shown in FIG. 2,to open position 32, shown in FIG. 1, in a controlled manner to havegreater control over the trapped crustacean.

When tab 112 is in disengaging track 116, as shown in FIG. 10,unidirectional travel of draw line 40 is possible. It being understoodthat this setting would be implemented following locking of pulleymember 88 in the extended position, as shown in FIG. 8. This positionpermits the retraction mechanism to operate unrestricted.

Due to the operation of the device underwater, and particularly insaltwater, the various components are constructed of plastic oraluminum. Preferably the handle and the majority of the componentscontained therein are formed of plastics, while the hoop is preferablyformed of aluminum. The draw line is preferably formed of a nylonmaterial, the net is of any material conventionally used for suchconstruction. The eyelets are preferably of a plastic material. Thesurgical tubing is, of course, of a plastic material. The tie tabssecuring the surgical tubing to the back cap are of the conventionaldraw strap design and constructed of a plastic material.

Advantages of the invention

The previously described embodiments of the present invention have manyadvantages, including the ability to gather and close the opening of thenet from a position on the net spaced from the hoop to which it isattached. Another advantage is the ability to manipulate the nettingdevice and activate the closing mechanism of the netting device with onehand. A further advantage is the significantly reduced danger ofinjuring the crustacean being captured. Yet another advantage rests inthe versatility of above water use of the device for use as a landingnet or as a dip net. Still another advantage is the reduced possibilityof escape of the crustacean by providing for a controlled opening of thenetting device following the retraction step.

Alternatives and closing

While surgical hose has been disclosed to provide the elastic power toperform the retraction displacement operation which acts upon the drawline, springs or reel type devices are envisioned. While the handlehaving a hoop with a net attached has been disclosed, the handle withthe retraction aspect is easily adaptable to use a closable hoop for onehanded operation. It is envisioned that the hoop and net could bedetachably mounted to the handle and interchangeable with such aclosable hoop for certain trapping operations and circumstances.

While many specific structural details have been disclosed, it will beunderstood that it is capable of many modifications, and thisapplication is intended to cover any variation, uses, or adaptations ofthe invention, following in general the principles of the invention andincluding such departures from the present disclosure as to come withthe knowledge of customary practice in the art, and as may be applied tothe essential features hereinbefore set forth and falling within thescope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A netting device suitable for hand-held operationunderwater for trapping a crustacean, the netting device comprising;a) ahandle, the handle substantially hollow comprising a connection end, anentry point, an interior, an exterior, the entry point in closeproximity to the connection end; b) a hoop, the hoop having a hoopcircumference, the hoop circumference defining an opening, the hoopattached to the connection end of the handle, the handle and the hoophaving a point of connection; c) a flexible net, the flexible net havinga net circumference, a bunt, an open position, a closed position, theflexible net attached to the hoop and encircling the hoop circumference,the bunt defining a confinement area for the crustacean, the buntextendable to one side of the opening of the hoop, the opening of thehoop being the only opening of the flexible net of sufficient size topermit passage of the crustacean between the confinement area and anoutside area, the outside area being beyond the confinement area, theopen position having the confinement area of the flexible netsubstantially open at the opening of the hoop, the closed positionhaving the confinement area of the flexible net substantially closed atthe opening of the hoop; d) a draw apparatus, the draw apparatus securedto the flexible net and at least partially encircling the netcircumference, the draw apparatus having a spacing, the spacing beingthe distance from, and relatively parallel to, the hoop, the spacingfrom the hoop sufficient to allow for collection of the draw apparatusto a central location, the central location relatively central withinthe opening of the hoop, the draw apparatus having an entry point, theentry point being in close proximity to the handle; e) a draw line, thedraw line having a first end, a second end, a retraction length, thefirst end inserted through the draw apparatus utilizing the entry pointand extending through the draw apparatus at least partially around thenet circumference, the second end inserted through the entry point inthe handle, the draw line adaptable for retraction and expansion of theflexible net between the open position and the closed position, theretraction length being the amount of the draw line required to transferthe flexible net from the open position to the closed position; f)retraction displacement means, the retraction displacement means tocause retraction of the retraction length of the draw line to within thehandle to cause the draw apparatus, attached to the flexible net, to becollected to the central location within the opening of the hoop tocause the flexible net to be placed in the closed position; g) lockingmeans, the locking means to selectively restrict activation of theretraction displacement means; h) a trigger mechanism, the triggermechanism located at a predetermined position on the handle, the triggermechanism to permit controlled release of the locking means to activatethe retraction displacement means;whereby the user would position thenetting device to place the crustacean within the confinement area ofthe flexible net and operate the trigger mechanism to release thelocking means to cause the retraction displacement means to cause thedraw apparatus to place the flexible net in the closed position to trapthe crustacean and prevent escape thereof.
 2. The netting device definedin claim 1 wherein the draw apparatus is comprised of a plurality ofspaced eyelets.
 3. The netting device defined in claim 1 wherein thehoop is relatively aligned with the handle.
 4. The netting devicedefined in claim 1 further comprising pivotal attachment means and hoopsecuring means, the pivotal attachment means permitting angularadjustment of the hoop relative to the handle to a desired angle, thehoop securing means permitting stationary locking of the hoop to thehandle at the desired angle; whereby the user may select and secure theangle of offset of the hoop to the handle.
 5. The netting device definedin claim 4 wherein the pivotal attachment means permits angulardisplacement of the hoop relative to the handle to bring the hoop intocontact with the handle at a distal point, the distal point being thepoint contact is made by the hoop and the handle furthest from the pointof connection of the hoop and the handle; whereby ease of transport andease of storage of the netting device is enhanced.
 6. The netting devicedefined in claim 1 wherein the retraction displacement means comprisesan elastic powered mechanism secured in the interior of the handle. 7.The netting device defined in claim 6 further comprising a pulley memberand a stationary pulley, the stationary pulley mounted in the interiorof the handle, the pulley member having a pulley, the pulley membermounted in the interior of the handle, the draw line entering the handlethrough the entry point, the draw line engaging the pulley of the pulleymember then engaging the stationary pulley then terminally secured tothe pulley member, the pulley of the pulley member causing a firstchange in direction of the draw line, the stationary pulley causing asecond change in direction of the draw line, the pulley member having afirst stationary position and a second stationary position, the firststationary position placing the pulley member and the stationary pulleyin close proximity at one end of the handle, the second stationaryposition placing the pulley member and the stationary pulley at opposingends of the handle, the first stationary position placing the draw linein an extended position, the extended position permitting placement ofthe flexible net in the open position, the second stationary positionplacing the draw line in a retracted position, the retracted positioncausing the flexible net to be placed in the closed position, the pulleymember movable between the first stationary position and the secondstationary position utilizing the elastic powered mechanism, the pulleymember having a predetermined length of travel within the handle;whereby the movement of the pulley member along the length of travelresults in a substantially greater length of the draw line beingretracted into the handle than the length of travel of the pulleymember.
 8. The netting device defined in claim 1 further comprising aratchet gear, the ratchet gear located in close proximity to the entrypoint of the handle, the ratchet gear capable of unidirectional passageof the draw line, the ratchet gear having an engaging position, theengaging position placing the ratchet gear in contact with the draw lineallowing withdraw of the draw line from the interior of the handle whileprohibiting retraction of the draw line to the interior of the handle,the ratchet gear having a disposed position, the disposed positionplacing the ratchet gear away from the draw line allowing bidirectionalmovement of the draw line, the ratchet gear having a user selectivepositioning means, the user selective positioning means permittingplacement of the ratchet gear in either the engaging position or thedisposed position; whereby the ratchet gear would be placed in thedisposed position prior to activation of the retraction displacementmeans, and in the engaging position as a safety device againstaccidental triggering and to enable the controlled opening of theflexible net from the closed position to the open position.
 9. Thenetting device of claim 1 further comprising a first extending member, asecond extending member, the first extending member protruding from theexterior of the handle, the second extending member protruding from theexterior of the handle in an aligned spaced relation to the firstextending member, the first extending member and the second extendingmember forming a measuring device, the measuring device having apredetermined spacing equal to the legal requirement of the length of anacceptable lobster; whereby the user could measure the trappedcrustacean to determine whether to retain or release the crustacean. 10.The netting device of claim 1 further comprising markings, the markingsplaced longitudinally along the exterior of the handle, the markingsequal to conventional units of measurement; whereby the user couldmeasure a netted fish to determine whether to retain or release thefish.
 11. An underwater operative hand-held crustacean netting devicecomprising;a) a handle, the handle substantially hollow comprising aconnection end, an entry point, an interior, an exterior, the entrypoint in close proximity to the connection end; b) a hoop, the hoophaving a hoop circumference, the hoop circumference defining an opening,the hoop attached to the connection end of the handle, the handle andthe hoop having a point of connection; c) a flexible net, the flexiblenet having a net circumference, a bunt, an open position, a closedposition, the flexible net attached to the hoop and encircling the hoopcircumference, the bunt defining a confinement area for the crustacean,the bunt extendable to one side of the opening of the hoop, the openingof the hoop being the only opening of the flexible net of sufficientsize to permit passage of the crustacean between the confinement areaand an outside area, the outside area being beyond the confinement area,the open position having the confinement area of the flexible netsubstantially open at the opening of the hoop, the closed positionhaving the confinement area of the flexible net substantially closed atthe opening of the hoop; d) a plurality of spaced eyelets, the spacedeyelets secured to the flexible net and at least partially encirclingthe net circumference, the spaced eyelets having an offset, the offsetbeing the distance from, and relatively parallel to, the hoop, theoffset from the hoop sufficient to allow for collection of the spacedeyelets to a central location, the central location relatively centralwithin the opening of the hoop, the spaced eyelets having an entrypoint, the entry point being in close proximity to the handle; e) a drawline, the draw line having a first end, a second end, a retractionlength, the first end inserted through the spaced eyelets utilizing theentry point and extending through the spaced eyelets at least partiallyaround the net circumference, the second end inserted through the entrypoint in the handle, the draw line adaptable for retraction andexpansion of the flexible net between the open position and the closedposition, the retraction length being the amount of the draw linerequired to transfer the flexible net from the open position to theclosed position; f) an elastic powered mechanism, the elastic poweredmechanism secured in the interior of the handle, the elastic poweredmechanism to cause retraction of the retraction length of the draw lineto within the handle to cause the spaced eyelets, attached to theflexible net, to be collected to the central location within the openingof the hoop to cause the flexible net to be placed in the closedposition; g) a pulley member and a stationary pulley, the stationarypulley mounted in the interior of the handle, the pulley member having apulley, the pulley member mounted in the interior of the handle, thedraw line entering the handle through the entry point, the draw lineengaging the pulley of the pulley member then engaging the stationarypulley then terminally secured to the pulley member, the pulley of thepulley member causing a first change in direction of the draw line, thestationary pulley causing a second change in direction of the draw line,the pulley member having a first stationary position and a secondstationary position, the first stationary position placing the pulleymember and the stationary pulley in close proximity at one end of thehandle, the second stationary position placing the pulley member and thestationary pulley at opposing ends of the handle, the first stationaryposition placing the draw line in an extended position, the extendedposition permitting placement of the flexible net in the open position,the second stationary position placing the draw line in a retractedposition, the retracted position causing the flexible net to be placedin the closed position, the pulley member movable between the firststationary position and the second stationary position utilizing theelastic powered mechanism, the pulley member having a predeterminedlength of travel within the handle; h) a ratchet gear, the ratchet gearlocated in close proximity to the entry point of the handle, the ratchetgear capable of unidirectional passage of the draw line, the ratchetgear having an engaging position, the engaging position placing theratchet gear in contact with the draw line allowing withdraw of the drawline from the interior of the handle while prohibiting retraction of thedraw line to the interior of the handle, the ratchet gear having adisposed position, the disposed position placing the ratchet gear awayfrom the draw line allowing bidirectional movement of the draw line, theratchet gear having a user selective positioning means, the userselective positioning means permitting placement of the ratchet gear ineither the engaging position or the disposed position; i) locking means,the locking means to selectively restrict activation of the elasticpowered mechanism; j) a trigger mechanism, the trigger mechanism locatedat a predetermined position on the handle, the trigger mechanism topermit controlled release of the locking means to activate the elasticpowered mechanism;whereby the user would position the netting device toplace the crustacean within the confinement area of the flexible net andoperate the trigger mechanism to release the locking means to cause theelastic powered mechanism means to cause the draw apparatus to place theflexible net in the closed position to trap the crustacean and preventescape thereof.
 12. The underwater operative hand-held crustaceannetting device defined in claim 11 further comprising a first extendingmember, a second extending member, the first extending member protrudingfrom the exterior of the handle, the second extending member protrudingfrom the exterior of the handle in an aligned spaced relation to thefirst extending member, the first extending member and the secondextending member forming a measuring device, the measuring device havinga predetermined spacing equal to the legal requirement of the length ofan acceptable lobster; whereby the user could measure the trappedcrustacean to determine whether to retain or release the crustacean. 13.The underwater operative hand-held crustacean netting device defined inclaim 11 further comprising markings, the markings placed longitudinallyalong the exterior of the handle, the markings equal to conventionalunits of measurement; whereby the user could measure a netted fish todetermine whether to retain or release the fish.
 14. The underwateroperative hand-held crustacean netting device defined in claim 11further comprising pivotal attachment means, hoop securing means, thepivotal attachment means permitting angular adjustment of the hooprelative to the handle to a desired angle, the hoop securing meanspermitting stationary locking of the hoop to the handle at the desiredangle, the pivotal attachment means permits angular displacement of thehoop relative to the handle to bring the hoop into contact with thehandle at a distal point, the distal point being the point contact ismade by the hoop and the handle furthest from the point of connection ofthe hoop and the handle; whereby the user may select and secure thedesired angle of the hoop to the handle during operation and fold thehoop to the handle for ease of transport and ease of storage of theunderwater operative hand-held crustacean netting device.
 15. The methodof netting a crustacean underwater by a diver using a hand-held device,the method comprising;a) providing a hand-held device comprising;1) ahandle; 2) a hoop attached to the handle; 3) a flexible bag attached tothe hoop and having a confinement area; 4) a draw apparatus attached tothe flexible bag, the draw apparatus at least partially encircling theflexible bag in spaced relation to the hoop, the draw apparatus havingan open position and a closed position, the open position having theconfinement area of the flexible bag open at the hoop, the closedposition having the confinement area of the flexible bag closed at thehoop; 5) a draw line engaging the draw apparatus; 6) a retractionmechanism contained within the handle and engaging the draw line, theretraction mechanism having an extended position and a retractedposition, the extended position allowing the draw apparatus to be placedin the open position, the retracted position causing the draw apparatusto be placed in the closed position; 7) a locking mechanism to restrictthe retraction mechanism to remain in the extended position; 8) atrigger mechanism to selectively activate the retraction mechanism totransfer from the extended position to the retracted position; b)adjusting the hand-held device to place in a state of readiness theretraction mechanism; c) deploying the hand-held device to place thecrustacean within the confinement area; d) activating the triggermechanism to cause closure of the flexible bag;whereby the crustaceanwould be trapped within the confinement area for removal by theoperator.
 16. The method defined in claim 15 wherein the hand-helddevice further comprises a pulley member and a stationary pulley, thestationary pulley mounted in the interior of the handle, the pulleymember having a pulley, the pulley member mounted in the interior of thehandle, the draw line entering the handle through a entry point, thedraw line engaging the pulley of the pulley member then engaging thestationary pulley then terminally secured to the pulley member, thepulley of the pulley member causing a first change in direction of thedraw line, the stationary pulley causing a second change in direction ofthe draw line, the pulley member having a first stationary position anda second stationary position, the first stationary position placing thepulley member and the stationary pulley in close proximity at one end ofthe handle, the second stationary position placing the pulley member andthe stationary pulley at opposing ends of the handle, the firststationary position placing the draw line in the extended position, thesecond stationary position placing the draw line in the retractedposition, the pulley member movable between the first stationaryposition and the second stationary position utilizing the retractionmechanism, the pulley member having a predetermined length of travelwithin the handle.
 17. The method defined in claim 15 wherein thehand-held device further comprises an entry point and a ratchet gear,the entry point penetrating the handle near the hoop, the ratchet gearlocated in close proximity to the entry point, the ratchet gear capableof unidirectional passage of the draw line, the ratchet gear having anengaging position, the engaging position placing the ratchet gear incontact with the draw line allowing withdraw of the draw line from theinterior of the handle while prohibiting retraction of the draw line tothe interior of the handle, the ratchet gear having a disposed position,the disposed position placing the ratchet gear away from the draw lineallowing bidirectional movement of the draw line, the ratchet gearhaving a user selective positioning means, the user selectivepositioning means permitting placement of the ratchet gear in either theengaging position or the disposed position.
 18. The method defined inclaim 15 wherein the hand-held device further comprises pivotalattachment means and hoop securing means, the pivotal attachment meanspermitting angular adjustment of the hoop relative to the handle to adesired angle, the hoop securing means permitting stationary locking ofthe hoop to the handle at the desired angle, the pivotal attachmentmeans permits angular displacement of the hoop relative to the handle tobring the hoop into contact with the handle at a distal point, thedistal point being the point contact is made by the hoop and the handlefurthest from a point of connection, the point of connection being thelocation of attachment of the hoop and the handle.